BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s meteorological agency warned that a brief warm spell would be followed this week by a sharp temperature drop of up to 7°C as a cold front moved in from China.
Warmth returned nationwide before the drop
From Sunday to Tuesday, temperatures rose again across Thailand, with the Northeast seeing an increase of 2–4°C. In the North, Central Region and East, values climbed by 1–3°C as a weakening high-pressure system over northern Thailand brought milder air.
“The strong high-pressure system over northern Thailand weakened and brought warmer conditions and morning fog,”
said Sugunyanee Yavinchan, director of the Meteorological Department.
Cold front from China set to trigger sharp fall
The warmer phase was expected to end from Wednesday, when a moderate to strong cold front from China was forecast to sweep over the country. Temperatures were predicted to drop by 4–7°C in the Northeast and by 3–5°C in the North and Central Region, while even the South faced a decline of 2–4°C.
“Morning cold is still to be expected in the North and Northeast,”
said the weather expert, adding that the temperature shock was therefore certain.
Southern provinces faced torrential rain
While northern areas braced for colder conditions, the South was warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall from Sunday to Tuesday. The Meteorological Department cited a low-pressure system over the lower Andaman Sea and a strong northeast monsoon over the Gulf of Thailand as the causes of the intense showers.
Flooding and disruption risk for travellers
Travellers in southern regions were advised to prepare for possible flooding and traffic disruption due to the downpours. Authorities noted that the unstable conditions meant the weather could change quickly across Thailand.
Health concerns amid rapid temperature swings
People were urged to dress warmly, as the temperature drop was expected to arrive faster than many anticipated from Wednesday onward. The difference was forecast to be most extreme in the Northeast, shifting from unusually warm conditions straight back into a winter-like pattern.
Vulnerable groups advised to take precautions
The rapid change, described as a “weather rollercoaster,” was seen as a burden on the body. Children and older people in particular were advised to protect themselves carefully against the shift from humid heat to sudden coolness, which could lead to illness.
Officials called for close attention to forecasts
Residents were encouraged to prepare warmer clothing in advance and to enjoy the final warm days before cooler weather set in from midweek, when jackets and hot drinks would again be in demand. The Meteorological Department recommended closely monitoring updated weather warnings, stressing that Thailand was experiencing a true “weather escalator” with quickly changing conditions.